Interleukin-27 and its relation to disease parameters in SLE patients

IL-27 exerts profound anti-inflammatory effects in several experimental autoimmune models, suggesting that it may be therapeutically relevant in SLE. To evaluate IL-27 level in SLE patients and its association to clinical manifestations, disease activity parameters and management strategy. We studied 80 SLE patients and 50 controls in a cross sectional study. Demographic, clinical and serological data were evaluated. Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index [SLEDAI] and Systemic Lupus International Collaboration Clinics/ACR damage index [SLICC] were assessed. Serum IL-27 was measured by ELISA. There was statistically significant difference in IL-27 level in SLE patients and healthy controls [9.7 +/- 21.9 pg/ml vs 20.2 +/- 47.3 pg/ml in SLE vs controls, respectively] [p = 0.04], also it was found that IL-27 level was statistically significantly lower in SLE patients with lupus nephritis [p = 0.02] and cerebritis [p = 0.03]. Interleukin 27 level had a statistically significant negative correlation with the cumulative dose of hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine [r = -0.3, p = 0.03 and r = -0.3 and p = 0.04, respectively]. IL-27 has anti-inflammatory effect in SLE patients especially those without nephritis or cerebritis and can be therapeutically relevant in SLE. To confirm our results we propose larger scale, multicentre studies with longer evaluation periods

25-Hydroxy vitamin D levels and its relation to disease activity and cardiovascular risk factors in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

To evaluate the associations of serum 25 hydroxy [OH] vitamin D [25[OH]D] levels with cardiovascular risk factors as well as disease activity in women with SLE. Fifty women with SLE as well as 30 controls were included in our study. Data collected included, demographics, SLE activity and damage assessments, cardiovascular risk factors, medications and laboratory assessment of inflammatory markers and 25[OH]D levels. Stepwise logistic regression analysis were used to estimate the association of 25[OH]D levels with cardiovascular risk factors. A significant lower 25[OH]D levels was found in SLE patients compared to controls [P < 0.001]. A positive correlation was found between 25[OH]D and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, BMI, as well as proteinuria and C3 levels. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between 25[OH]D and the RT carotid artery stenosis and RT carotid artery plaque and the intima media thickness of both left and right carotid arteries. Lower 25[OH]D levels were also significantly associated with higher SLE disease activity and damage scores and steroid cumulative dose. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that higher BMI, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and diabetes mellitus act as predictors of lower 25[OH]D levels. Our study found an association between lower 25[OH]D levels and increased cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk factors, as well as increased SLE disease activity and damage indices. Future studies are needed to determine relation of 25[OH]D and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with lupus